I live in the west and get to watch some of the teams later at night. I know I am in the minority but I love ESPN Plus! Watch the Sharks and the Canucks a lot and try to key in on Meier and Horvat. I believe most posters believe Meier would be a better fit, but is there an argument for Horvat?
I guess I ask because would the center be a need with possibly uniting Nelson and Barzal? Or, stop trying to complicate things and get a top flight winger and just keep Barzal at center, even though fit and style with him may be challenging?
Thanks in advance
I too love ESPN plus
Meier would be a great winger for Barzy, Horvat a great center. Horvat actually wins draws and also is a net front guy with a shot. Once the flow of 5 on 5 goes, Barzal will command ice in transition and Horvat will be the low guy.
Lou - "I still believe in this team the same way I did last summer"
Well...he does say it falls on him to make the team better....again taking responsibility...but no idea where that really gets us. But it is the first time i recall having seen him noticeably pissed by the play of the team....well as noticeably as Lou gets, lol.
I liked this interview. Lou made a media appearance when things were great earlier and now again at our bleakest. Doesn't shy away from accountability. Preaches patience in this interview. Does bother me he talks in GD and not winger for Barzy, that does worry me that he doesn't see it as a pressing need when Barzal has seen so many different linemates this season. I am ok with seeing the bigger team picture with that not being our only need. See my response below.
I wouldn't put it past Lou to make that deal for Chychrun instead of Meier that is of course the Devils might have stronger pieces to secure that deal. Ideally, I would love both, but dealing for one and then addressing the other with free agency may be the way this team moves forward.
Trade for Chychrun and sign Tank or Trade for Meier and sign Gavrikov or for a lesser deal for Gostisbehere.
"
Lambert has been encouraged with the response of his players to the adversity. "Great group of guys," said the 58-year-old, who
pointed to breaking out of the defensive zone efficiently as a key area of concern. "They respond and they care and they want to win. Guiding them in that direction is imperative.""
The New York Islanders were comfortably in a playoff position Dec. 9, but the wheels have fallen off since, especially over the last three weeks, thanks to a familiar problem for the franchise – putting the puck in the net.
www.tsn.ca
The article is about the Isles' lack of offense - maybe support for the idea that they're looking at a defenseman.
AZ appears to be asking for 2 first round picks at minimum. Chychrun won't help with a team that needs offensive help on the wing. Giving up 2 first round picks, will just put any quick rebuild back even further.
To further the Chychrun talk:
Not going to get into price because we know it's a high one but we can only speculate but I just want to point out how he'd help.
As of 1/25; Isles are 12th in GF for 5v5. I didnt do by game so I'm not sure if that helps or hurts the standing but that's good. Isles are also 12th in GA 5v5. Again, that's good. Isles are 5th in the league for PK.
I think you know where I'm going with this.
Watch his movement (granted, this is a highlight and a 6 on 4 scenario) ; That's 5 shot attempts and he isn't stagnant. Also look at the area of ice, that's where Bailey and Nelson go and we know they plant their feet and don't move enough. If we don't improve the powerplay this team isn't going anywhere.
Vs the Leafs we didn't have the feet moving as a D unit. Early on the D joined the rush more, for those 4 man transitions up ice. Aho was the only one to actually attempt bringing the puck up through the neutral zone. Chychrun would be a big help there. And his price is high because he's cost effective with his contract.
I also want a winger.
But I don't think trading for Chychrun is Lou ignoring the teams problems. I also think you can't accuse him of mortgaging the future for trading for a 24 year old dman.
